Our people

We are proud to have a diverse staff who strive to uphold human rights principles and create a culture of inclusion in Alberta.
Abstract collection of circles, half, and quarter circles relating to the dot in the Commission logo. Elements are one of two blue colours or a cheery orange or yellow..

Who we are

Our teams consist of diverse staff with varied lived experience, who are passionate about human rights and committed to serving the public. We have extensive education and background in human rights, diversity and inclusion, law, public administration, community organizing, governance, relationship building, and conflict resolution. Staff bring a wide range of skills to their work and knowledge about the broader human rights landscape in the province.

We have offices in Edmonton and Calgary, allowing us to provide services across the province. The Commission has about 50 employees and 18 part-time Members of the Commission.

Staff work to fulfill the Commission’s mandate, as set out in the Alberta Human Rights Act. Our organization chart shows our offices and teams.

Office of the Chief of the Commission and Tribunals

The Chief of the Commission and Tribunals is the head of the Commission and appointed by the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta. The Chief is the head of the Office of the Chief of the Commission and Tribunals (OCCT) and oversees the Commission’s three separate and distinct areas:

  1. Communication, Education, and Engagement
  2. Office of the Director of the Commission
  3. Tribunal Office

The Chief of the Commission and Tribunals has many responsibilities, including:

  • setting the overall goals and policy direction for the Commission
  • advising the Minister of Justice about human rights issues
  • guiding the Director of Communication, Education, and Engagement, the Director of the Commission, and the Tribunal Registrar on the Commission’s overall goals and direction
  • deciding on requests for review (appeals) of the Director’s decisions to dismiss complaints
  • appointing human rights tribunals
  • adjudicating hearings and making decisions on human rights complaints

OCCT staff provide legal and operational advice to the Chief of the Commission and Tribunals and support the organization’s operations.

Current Chief of the Commission and Tribunals

Kathryn Oviatt, K.C. is appointed the Chief of the Commission and Tribunals, with a five-year term ending November 30, 2027. Prior to her appointment as Chief, she was appointed for three terms as a Member of the Commission, in which she was a leader on the Tribunal and demonstrated commitment to the principles of natural justice and the rule of law. Ms. Oviatt served as Acting Chief of the Commission from 2020 through 2022 (with statutory authority to act in the absence of the Chief), and then as the interim Chief from November 2021 through July 2022. She has published dozens of decisions, many of which are leading cases in Alberta human rights law.

Ms. Oviatt has spent her entire legal career practicing in administrative law, including in human rights, labour and employment, professional regulation, privacy, policing, and education. Since 2015, she has exclusively practiced as a neutral adjudicator, including as labour arbitrator in Alberta and federally. Other past appointments include to the Hearing Panel for the Real Estate Council of Alberta, the General Insurance Council, the Sports Dispute Resolution Centre of Canada and its Safeguarding Tribunal (which addresses abuse, harassment, and discrimination in sport), the Law Society of Alberta's Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee, and the Subdivision Development Appeal Board for the City of Edmonton.​

Ms. Oviatt holds the designation of Chartered Arbitrator from the Alternative Dispute Resolution Institute of Canada and a certificate in Tribunal Administrative Justice from the Foundation of Administrative Justice. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree (with distinction) in 2001 and a Law degree (with distinction) in 2005, both from the University of Alberta. Ms. Oviatt was called to the Alberta Bar in 2006.

Communication, Education, and Engagement

The Director of Communication, Education, and Engagement oversees the Commission’s work to prevent hate, racism, and discrimination and to promote equality and inclusion. Staff are responsible for:

  • informing and educating Albertans about human rights
  • engaging in partnerships and community initiatives
  • outreach and advocacy
  • marketing and communications
  • developing public policy
  • collecting and analyzing data
  • business and technology services

Office of the Director of the Commission

The Lieutenant Governor of Alberta appoints the Director of the Commission, who oversees the Office of the Director of the Commission. This office includes legal counsel to the Director and complaints management. The Director and staff process complaints to decide whether a complaint should be referred to the Chief of the Commission and Tribunals and the Members of the Commission.

The Director makes decisions about complaints, including:

  • dismissing complaints:
    • without merit,
    • made in bad faith for an improper purpose or motive,
    • having no reasonable prospect of success, or
    • that should be dealt with by another forum or under other legislation
  • trying to settle complaints, such as through conciliation
  • referring complaints to the Chief of the Commission and Tribunals for resolution

Staff fulfill many roles, including:

  • responding to public inquiries about human rights issues
  • working with complainants and respondents to try to resolve discrimination complaints
  • representing the Director at the Tribunal

Tribunal Office

The Tribunal Registrar oversees the management and delivery of the Tribunal’s services. Tribunal Office staff are responsible for:

  • providing parties with tribunal dispute resolution and tribunal hearing services
  • identifying and resolving issues relating to the progress of complaint files at the Tribunal
  • informing parties on Tribunal practices and procedures
  • maintaining records of Tribunal proceedings
  • processing documents filed by or issued to parties
  • providing the Chief and Members of the Commission with direct support services

Members of the Commission

The Lieutenant Governor of Alberta appoints Members of the Commission to serve on human rights tribunals. Tribunals are public hearings into human rights complaints under the Alberta Human Rights Act. Members are experienced lawyers who work part-time for the Commission.

Rabie Ahmed Abdelhamid has been appointed for a term ending June 19, 2027. Mr. Ahmed obtained a Bachelor of Law with honours from University of Liverpool in August 2015, a Certificate of Qualification from the National Committee on Accreditation, and was called to the Bar in June 2019. Born to two immigrant parents, Mr. Ahmed is a 1st generation Canadian, specializing in family law and criminal defence. His commitment to equal opportunity and eliminating barriers in the legal field is reflected in his extensive pro bono work and advocacy efforts. Mr. Ahmed has successfully handled complex family appeals and serious criminal cases, emphasizing due process and procedural fairness. He volunteers with Calgary Legal Guidance, serves on the Child and Youth Executive with the Canadian Bar Association, and is a regular guest lecturer at Mount Royal University on oral advocacy.

Nduka Ahanonu has been appointed for a term ending August 20, 2027. Mr. Ahanonu is a trial lawyer with over 23 years of experience in the legal field. He is the founder and managing lawyer at Duke Law Office. Prior to this, he worked as the student-at-law for Legal Aid Alberta and as a legal resource officer for the Alberta Law Line. Mr. Ahanonu is an active member in the community and is currently serving as a member on the Legal Aid Appeals Committee. He received a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Lagos, his Barrister-at-Law from Nigerian Law School, and a Master of Laws from the University of Alberta.

Sandra Badejo has been appointed for a term ending August 20, 2027. Ms. Badejo is a lawyer with over 20 years of experience, specializing in all areas of family law, including divorce, parenting, child and spousal support, and property. She also represents children and youths in child welfare matters. Ms. Badejo is currently a partner at Crerar Badejo Hagen Family Law Group and a director and shareholder in I. Sandra Badejo Professional Corporation. Ms. Badejo received a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Lagos, a Barrister-at-Law from the Nigerian Law School, and a Master of Laws from the University of Alberta.

Faraz Bawa has been appointed for a term ending August 17, 2025. Mr. Bawa is the senior associate at Stewart Sharma Harsanyi, primarily practicing immigration and family law. Prior to being called to the Alberta Bar in 2014, he was a compensation analyst for the Wynford Group and a currency trader for Olympia Trust Company. Mr. Bawa received a Juris Doctor from the University of Toronto and a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Calgary.

Doris Bonora has been appointed for a term ending August 14, 2025. She received a Law degree in 1986 from the University of Alberta. Ms. Bonora was called to the Alberta Bar in 1987.

After graduating from law school, Ms. Bonora practiced at Reynolds, Mirth, Richards & Farmer Law Firm in Edmonton. Ms. Bonora has been a partner at Dentons Canada LLP since 2012, where she is currently the Canadian group leader for Dentons’ Trust, Estates, Tax and Wealth Preservation practice. She has extensive experience at all levels of court in Alberta and also in alternate dispute resolution. Ms. Bonora holds the designation of Trust and Estate Practitioner (STEP) from The Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners. Ms. Bonora is involved in dealing with advocacy for seniors around ageism and also litigation involving trusts which are discriminatory to Indigenous women.

Ms. Bonora is a frequent panelist and keynote speaker on topics including trusts, litigation and disabled-adult estate planning, presenting to local, national and international audiences. She has also written numerous articles for a variety of legal publications. Ms. Bonora is a sessional professor at the University of Alberta.

Ms. Bonora currently serves as a director of Covenant Health Foundation, and also volunteers for the Alzheimer’s Society of Alberta, Edmonton Community Foundation and Edmonton Community Legal Center. Ms. Bonora also serves as a mentor to many young lawyers practicing in the area of wills and estates.

Ms. Bonora is recognized in Who’s Who Legal, is a ranked lawyer in Chambers, and was a finalist in both the Women in Law Awards 2019 and the International Legal Team of the Year Awards 2019.

Dana Christianson has been appointed for a term ending June 19, 2027. Ms. Christianson graduated with Dean’s List honors and First Class Standing from the University of Alberta in 2010 and was called to the Alberta Bar in 2011. Previous to that, she obtained a Bachelor of Journalism and Bachelor of English with Highest Honours from Carleton University.

Ms. Christianson has extensive experience in human rights, labour, employment, and administrative law. Her practice includes representation of employees, employers, unions, and professionals across various courts and administrative tribunals. She previously served as inhouse counsel for a and worked in private practice with a regional law firm, currently practicing at Seveny Scott Lawyers in Edmonton. Ms. Christianson is a sessional lecturer at the University of Alberta Law School, co-teaching employment law and other courses on the topic of human rights, and regularly speaks on human rights, other labour and employment issues at legal conferences, and seminars.

Cynthia Dickins, K.C. has been appointed for a term ending October 6, 2025. She attended the University of Alberta for her undergraduate Bachelor of Arts degree and her Bachelor of Laws degree. Ms. Dickins was called to the Alberta Bar in 1982. Ms. Dickins' career reflects her respect for values, ethics, diversity and the rule of law.

Ms. Dickins is General Counsel at the Department of Justice Canada, Prairie Region Office at Edmonton where she has spent most of her career litigating criminal and civil law cases at every level of court, including at the Supreme Court of Canada. Ms. Dickins articled with a sole practitioner, Philip Lister, and spent two years in private practice before joining Federal Justice in what is now the Public Prosecution Service of Canada.

Ms. Dickins has appeared before several Tribunals including the National Energy Board, the Specific Claims Tribunal and the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service. Ms. Dickins is a past co-chair of the Canadian Bar Association Aboriginal Law subsection, and has completed arbitration, negotiations and other alternative dispute resolution training.

Ms. Dickins regularly mentors junior counsel, and leads teams in a broad range of litigation areas including Constitutional Aboriginal and Administrative Law matters. Ms. Dickins has taught Legal Ethics, Advocacy and Negotiations to law students at the Bar Admission Course and has lectured widely to police and Federal agencies.

Ms. Dickins is a dedicated volunteer at the Edmonton Community Legal Centre, where she advises low-income clients. In 2022, Ms. Dickins received the Distinguished Service Award (co-presented by the Law Society of Alberta and the Canadian Bar Association - Alberta) for her oustanding contribution to the provision of pro bono legal services. She is a past President of the Autism Society of Edmonton Area, a volunteer literacy tutor with Family Literacy Centre and has extensive experience serving on nonprofit boards.

In 2013, Ms. Dickins received the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee medal recognizing outstanding and exemplary contributions to society.

Jessica Gill has been appointed for a term ending August 17, 2025. Ms. Gill has experience providing legal advice on labour and employment, human rights, privacy, and administrative law matters to provincial and federally regulated employers. She is currently counsel for the Canada Energy Regulator in Calgary. Ms. Gill was previously an associate with an international law firm in Calgary and also clerked with the Alberta Court of Appeal. She received a Juris Doctor and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, both from the University of Calgary. Ms. Gill also serves on the Board of Directors of the South Asian Bar Association and is a volunteer with the University of Calgary Public Interest Law Clinic.

Teresa Haykowsky has been appointed for a term ending August 14, 2025. She received a Certificate in French civilization and language at the Sorbonne, a Bachelor of Arts in 1985 from the University of Alberta, a Teaching Diploma in 1986 from Université du Québec à Chicoutimi, and a Law degree (in French) in 1989 from Université Laval. Ms. Haykowsky is a member of the law societies of Quebec (1991), Alberta and Nunavut (2010), and was called to the Alberta Bar in 1997.

Ms. Haykowsky clerked at the Quebec Court of Appeal in Quebec City and also articled in Edmonton at an Edmonton law firm after which she worked as a legal research officer for the Court of King's Bench of Alberta. She then served as legal counsel for school jurisdictions across Alberta (Anglophone, Francophone, Public and Separate) through the Legal Branch of the Alberta School Board Association. Following this, Ms. Haykowsky served as the first in-house legal counsel for Edmonton Catholic Schools before joining McLennan Ross LLP in 2004, where she has been a partner since 2007.

Ms. Haykowsky is fluent in French and practices in both official languages in the areas of education law, labour and employment, human rights and constitutional law. She has appeared at all court levels including the Supreme Court of Canada.

Ms. Haykowsky also served as a sessional lecturer at Campus St. Jean, University of Alberta, where she taught a business law course in French for nine years. She is a frequent webinar presenter and publishes regular email legal updates, both for McLennan Ross LLP. She has served in various volunteer capacities, including as co-founder of the Women’s Legal Forum, Alberta Civil Trial Lawyers Association, and Chair of the 2017 Women’s Legal Forum, Co-Chair of the 2019 Women in Litigation Symposium, Advocates’ Society, and creator of the book Truth Be Told: Inspirational Stories by Women in Law, which was published in 2018.​

Shawn Leclerc has been appointed for a term ending June 19, 2027. Mr. Leclerc is a sole practitioner with seven years of experience providing legal advice on human rights, labour, and employment matters to individuals, small businesses, and charitable organizations. He holds a Bachelor of Arts with distinction from the University of Lethbridge and a Juris Doctor from the University of Ottawa. Called to the Bar in Ontario and Alberta in 2017, he is particularly interested in issues concerning religious freedoms and advocates for fair treatment in the workplace. He is dedicated to serving his community through his legal practice and pro bono work.

Dr. Evaristus Oshionebo has been appointed for a term ending August 20, 2027. On August 31, 2022, the Minister of Justice​ appointed Dr. Oshionebo as Acting Chief of the Commission and Tribunals. He served as Chief of the Commission and Tribunals from September 27, 2022 to November 30, 2022. ​​​

Dr. Oshionebo is a tenured professor and associate dean (Academic) in the Faculty of Law at the University of Calgary. He teaches law of contracts, business associations, and mining law. He previously taught at Osgoode Hall Law School and the Faculty of Law at the University of Manitoba. Dr. Oshionebo has a Bachelor of Laws from the Obafemi Awolowo University (Nigeria), a Master of Laws from the University of Lagos, as well as from the University of Alberta, and a Doctor of Philosophy from Osgoode Hall Law School at York University.

Dr. Erika Ringseis has been appointed for a term ending August 14, 2025. She received a Bachelor of Arts in 1995 from the University of Calgary, a Master in Science (Industrial/Organizational Psychology) in 1997 and a Ph.D. (Industrial/Organizational Psychology) in 1999, both from the Pennsylvania State University, and a Juris Doctor in 2002 from the University of Calgary. She was called to the Alberta Bar in 2003.

Dr. Ringseis started her legal career providing advice to clients of two major law firms, before moving to a large pipeline company, where from 2011 to 2018, she served as their human resources governance manager. Dr. Ringseis oversaw various human resources compliance and programs, including harassment investigations and the development of a diversity & inclusion strategy and program. She is currently senior legal counsel for InHaus Legal in Calgary, with a strong background in human rights and respectful workplace governance and implementation. Dr. Ringseis specializes in employment law with an emphasis on practical resolution and strategic legal advice.

Dr. Ringseis is the legal columnist for the Canadian Society of Industrial Organizational Psychology quarterly newsletter and has been selected as editor for the legal chapter of the text, “Recruitment and Selection in Canada.” In her spare time, Dr. Ringseis enjoys teaching fitness classes and leading a troupe of Girl Guides, in addition to various other community volunteer activities.

Karen Scott has been appointed for a term ending June 28, 2027. She received a Law degree (Distinction) in 2002 from the University of Alberta. Ms. Scott was called to the Alberta Bar in 2003. She holds certificates in Interest-​Based Negotiation and Interpersonal Conflict Resolution from the Alberta Arbitration and Mediation Society.

Ms. Scott has extensive knowledge of human rights, employment, and administrative law. After graduating from law school, she clerked at the Alberta Court of King​'s Bench and Alberta Court of Appeal prior to entering private practice. She has been a p​artner with the Edmonton law firm Seveny Scott since 2008, where she practices almost exclusively in the field of labour and employment advising and representing employees, employers, and unions on human rights and accommodation issues. Ms. Scott also maintains a civil litigation practice related to her labour and employment practice. She was a guest lecturer for the University of Alberta employment law class in 2014 and has been appointed as a sessional lecturer at the University of Alberta Law School, co-teaching employment law.

Leigh Sherry has been appointed for a term ending June 19, 2027. Ms. Sherry is an international family law lawyer based in Calgary, Alberta. She has a Master of Laws (LLM) in International Human Rights Law from University of Strathclyde, a Juris Doctor (JD) from the University of Saskatchewan, and a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology from the University of Victoria. Her career includes work as a policy analyst and youth and family counsellor, emphasizing her commitment to advocating for vulnerable populations. She is a dedicated fellow of the International Academy of Family Lawyers, focusing on protecting human rights through her legal expertise.

Wilma Shim has been appointed for a term ending August 20, 2027. Ms. Shim is a lawyer with over 13 years of experience, having worked as a barrister and solicitor for Alberta Justice and Solicitor General and as a crown prosecutor. She is active in the community, serving as a senator on the University of Calgary Senate, the vice chair for the University of Calgary Alumni Association, and a board member for Special Olympics Calgary. Ms. Shim continues to be involved with her alma mater as a sessional instructor in the area of Sports Law for both the Faculties of Law and Kinesiology at the University of Calgary.

Nathalie Whyte has been appointed for a term ending October 6, 2025. In 1997, Ms. Whyte obtained a Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) from Carleton University and in 2007 received her Juris Doctor from the College of Law, University of Saskatchewan. Prior to her career in law, Ms. Whyte worked as a social worker in a variety of settings including Child and Family Services as well as health care.

Ms. Whyte articled and practiced for over 10 years at a boutique firm specializing in Aboriginal and treaty rights litigation. Ms. Whyte also practices in the area of family law. Ms. Whyte has appeared at all levels of Court, including the Supreme Court of Canada (co-counsel and written submissions), and has appeared before various administrative tribunals.

Since the fall 2019 term, Ms. Whyte has taught a course called "Indigenous Law in Canada" as a sessional lecturer at the University of Calgary, International Indigenous Studies Program, Department of Political Science.​

Rod Wiltshire has been appointed for a term ending June 19, 2027. Mr. Wiltshire obtained his Bachelor of Laws from the University of Toronto in 1988, receiving a bronze medal, and was called to the Ontario Bar in 1991. He obtained a Master of Laws from Yale Law School in 1993 and was called to the Alberta Bar in 1998. Mr. Wiltshire spent two decades with Alberta Justice practicing constitutional law, with notable appearances at the Supreme Court of Canada. Now semi-retired, he is advising fellow lawyers on constitutional and administrative law issues and providing pro bono representation for cases involving Charter freedoms. His dedication to upholding human rights continues to shape his legal contributions and mentoring efforts within the legal community.

Compensation disclosure

The Public Sector Compensation Transparency Act requires public sector bodies to post board member names and compensation.

Visit the Government of Alberta’s website for a list of public agencies in Alberta, as well as the public agency compensation disclosure requirement.

Download the 2024 compensation disclosure file.

FAQs

The Lieutenant Governor appoints Members of the Commission through an Order in Council, either through open competition or direct appointment. Members have:

  • law degrees
  • knowledge and training in human rights issues
  • experience and training in conducting mediations and negotiations

For more information on serving on public agencies, boards, and commissions, refer to the Government of Alberta website.

The Alberta Public Service Code of Conduct guides staff of the Commission and other public services. A separate Code of Conduct governs Commission appointees, including the Chief of the Commission and Tribunals, the Director of the Commission, and Members of the Commission.

  • Dr. Evaristus Oshionebo (Acting) (September - November 2022)
  • Collin May (July - September 2022)
  • Kathryn Oviatt, K.C. (Acting) (January - July 2022)
  • Michael Gottheil (August 2018 - January 2022)
  • William D. McFetridge, K.C. (Acting) (August 2017 - August 2018)
  • Robert A. Philp, K.C. (July 2014 - June 2017)
  • Honourable David Blair Mason, K.C. (2009 - 2014)
  • Brenda F. Scragg (Acting) (2008 - 2009)
  • Charlach Mackintosh (1994 - 2008)
  • Jack O'Neill, CC (1993 - 1994)
  • Fil B. Fraser, CM (1989 - 1992)
  • Stan Scudder (1986 - 1989)
  • Marlene Antonio (1981 - 1986)
  • Bob Lundrigan (1979 - 1981)
  • Dr. Max Wyman (1973 - 1979)

Note that before October 1, 2009, the Chief of the Commission and Tribunals was referred to as the Chief Commissioner.